Spitball Army

about Sigmund Freud:

Before devoting himself to psychology, Freud conducted zoological research and is credited with discovering testicles in eels – a small detail that had escaped earlier studies.

about Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky:

Though there was once speculation that Tchaikovsky committed suicide after being exposed in a homosexual affair, most scholars today believe that he died of cholera.

about James Naismith (inventor of basketball):

Naismith’s original rules did not permit dribbling – players could advance the ball only by passing.

about Coney Island:

The name Coney Island comes from the original seventeenth-century Dutch settlers of New York, who names the area Konijn Eiland – “Rabbit Island” in Dutch.

about Albert Einstein:

Einstein was an ardent Zionist and after World War II was offered the presidency of Israel, a position he declined.

Card is titled: “MINIATURE AMISH FARM, Intercourse, Penna.”

Printed on back of postcard:

“Heart of Amishland”
MINIATURE AMISH FARM
Intercourse, Penna.

Handcrafted by an Old Order Amishman, this reproduction of an authentic Pennsylvania Dutch Farm is displayed in Rutt’s Gift and Antiques Shop, Intercourse, Penna.  Open to visitors, the farm features an operating, water-powered grist mill.

Published by Country Studio of Photography, Witmer, Pa.  Photo by Mel Horst Photography.

Today’s virtual playlist theme is ‘People Over 50 (and things we might associate with them).’  Can you relate?

Approximate playing time: 77 minutes.

1. Nada Surf “See These Bones” (2008)
2. Love “Old Man” (1967)
3. Nadine “Rocking Chair Song” (2003)
4. Peter Case “Poor Old Tom” (1989)
5. Patty Griffin “Making Pies” (live) (2002)
6. Ry Cooder “Look at Granny Run Run” (1979)
7. Morphine  “Cure for Pain” (1993)
8. The Streets “Geezers Need Excitement” (2002)
9. Shack “Soldier Man” (2003)
10. Steely Dan “Your Gold Teeth” (1973)
11. Bill Withers “Grandma’s Hands” (1971)
12. Elton John “Into the Old Man’s Shoes” (1971)
13. Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes “Where Are All My Friends” (1974)
14. G. Love “Grandmother” (2008)
15. The Dexateens “Grandaddy’s Mouth” (2009)
16. Johnny Cash “My Grandfather’s Clock” (1959)
17. Harry Chapin “Mr. Tanner” (1974)
18. David Gray “Wisdom” (1993)
19. Kathleen Edwards “Scared at Night” (2008)

[audio:People_Over_50_(playlist).mp3]
People Over 50 playlist (28 February 2010)

See you next Sunday, when I’ll be going theme-less.  Until then, here’s hoping the tennis balls on your walker last twice as long as your new haircut.

[Written to Alice in Frankfort, Indiana. Return addressed: Richard, Plt. 622, R.D.M.C.B., San Diego 41, Calif. Postmarked in San Diego, Calif., on 13 June 1944 at 8:30 PM.]

June 12, 1944
8 P.M.

Hi Sweetheart,

     I feel sure that you have my letter by now.  And after tonight, I think you should stay home more than ever.  I just came back from a pre-rating test in radio.  I think I did fairly good on it.  If I did, I should be sent to school for 10 months and come out with a rank of technical sgt.  One of the many schools is in Chicago.  I’ve had enough time to day-dream enough to think that I might very possibly be sent to Chi.  How would that be?  Pretty swell, huh?  I think that if you just stay put for another 7 or 8 weeks, I’ll come to you instead of you coming to me.  I wouldn’t get to see you out here anyway, so you better save that money.  I’ll see you after boot-training.  How’s that?  OK?  I hope.

     I’m sorry Sweetheart but I’ve got to run now.  I’ll write more as soon as possible.

     Good night Sweetheart.
          I love you with all my heart.
                    x x
                         Pleasant Dreams.
                                   ‘Nite  xxx
                                        x x

[And, on the back of the page:]

I love you.

Wednesday (24 February) night’s Countdown with Keith Olbermann featured a special commentary by Olbermann on the current health care debate, informed by the experiences he has had surrounding his father’s recent illnesses. This is worth your time:

Snaps from the birthday party: Jack drinking whiskey; Jack standing on his head; Jack flipping off the camera; Jack wearing cake.

In lieu of a 7th birthday party, we’ve arranged for Sister Augustine Mary to telephone you and play “Las Mañanitas” on her trumpet.

[audio:Bill_Frisell___Fifty_Years.mp3]
“Fifty Years” from Blues Dream (2001), by Bill Frisell

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RI-l0tK8Ok0

We dance to “Brown Sugar”: high, drunk, sweaty. Wow, you really feel the music, she says. I plant a sloppy kiss on her and pass out.